mika rottenberg says trumps smithsonian situation is fucked up

Artist Mika Rottenberg, whose work is included in an upcoming show at the Smithsonian-run Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, called the Trump administration's interference with the Smithsonian "fucked up" in a Vanity Fair article. She praised Amy Sherald for canceling a Smithsonian show, calling it "amazing." British artist Richard Long also expressed concern about the administration "strangling everything" at the institution. The article notes that many other artists with works slated for Smithsonian presentations—including Nick Cave, Paul Chan, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch, and Rashid Johnson—declined to speak to Vanity Fair, reflecting a cautious environment. Dread Scott, however, has been vocal, calling for the regime to be driven from power and urging art institutions to support dissenting artists.

smithsonian teams up with saudi arabias alula project

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) has signed a formal partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), formalizing two years of behind-the-scenes collaboration. Signed by NMAA director Chase Robinson and RCU chief executive Abeer Al Akel, the deal covers joint archaeological research, exhibition loans, curatorial exchange, and professional development, with a focus on the ancient site of Dadan, a key stop on the Incense Road. The partnership is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to rebrand the kingdom as a global cultural destination.

Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art and Saudi Arabia strike deal to collaborate on exhibitions, conservation and more

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) has signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to collaborate on exhibitions, conservation, research, and staff exchanges. The deal, signed on May 14 by NMAA director Chase Robinson and RCU CEO Abeer AlAkel, focuses on the ancient site of Dadan, a capital of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations. The partnership covers joint conservation and research projects, exhibition loans, and professional development over four years.

trump cultural offensive or offensive culture

This episode of the Art Angle podcast, co-hosted by Ben Davis, features art critic and journalist Brian Boucher discussing the impact of Donald Trump's return to office on American culture. Since January, Trump has launched a cultural offensive through executive orders and policies, including canceling humanities grants to fund a 'heroes' sculpture garden, targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services, taking personal control of the Kennedy Center, and shuttering DEI offices nationwide. Boucher, who has extensively covered these developments for Artnet, joins the podcast to analyze the administration's first 100 days and the risks posed to the arts.

Pete Hegseth Goes to War With Press Photographers

Pete Hegseth Goes to War With Press Photographers

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has banned press photographers from Pentagon briefings on the U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran. The reported reason for the ban is Hegseth's displeasure over "unflattering" photographs taken during a recent press address, with the Pentagon stating it will now release official photos online instead.